DELAIN are keeping their momentum going with the release of the EP “Dance with the Devil” in early November. Though most of the tracklist consists of live versions of their older material (from “April Rain” to “Queen of Shadow”), the band did include two other tracks that have been released as singles in the meantime – the heavy title track “Dance with the Devil” and the melodic “The Reaping.”
Exploring a more synth-driven soundscape than ever before, “The Reaping” wonderfully showcases a brand new facet of DELAIN while laying the groundwork for a reinvention of sorts towards a more melodic approach to their music. Actually, ever since resurfacing in 2023 with a revitalized lineup that features vocalist Diana Leah and a new album, “Dark Waters,” the band has shed the last remnants of their symphonic metal skin and set their collective gaze on new horizons. I believe that their latest single, “The Reaping,” is such a perfect embodiment of their musical vision and updated signature sound as it blends electronic/synth elements with fresh and modern textures in a seamless way.
Needless to say, it is Diana Leah’s light and breezy voice that carries the song as, for me, the selling point here is the musical juxtaposition between the calmness of her airy vocals and the thundering instrumentals. I really like the way they trade places as the guitars and drums either quiet down to give the vocals room to develop or explode into heaviness and melody in between the verses. It’s a neat balance that gives the song a nice momentum and an even better headbanging rhythm as I believe “The Reaping” will work nicely as a live track. On top of that, Ludovico Cioffi’s bass lines add some more heaviness to the fold, rumbling steadily in the background and counterbalancing Martijn Westerholt’s chunky synth riffs, while the chugging guitars create layers of thickness underneath the vocals. Speaking of the guitars, the solo is a whole moment that needs savoring on its own as it’s melodic, heavy, and fits in with the narrative.
Overall, “The Reaping” is quite an impressive composition that acts as an appetizer for DELAIN’s next album. If this is what they have in store for the future, sign me up, since I am truly loving this new direction and refreshed sound.
Written by Andrea Crow
